This month marks the 25th annual National Drug and Alcohol Abuse Recovery Month.
The theme for this year is “Join the Voices for Recover: Speak Up, Reach Out,” and encourages people to openly discuss mental and substance use disorders and the reality of recovery.
It aims to foster public understanding and acceptance of behavioral health conditions. Mental and substance use disorders are prevalent in our community, and it’s imperative that individuals in Clarendon County understand how to seek physical and mental wellness.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2013, an estimated 34.6 million adults ages 18 or older in the U.S. received mental health treatment or counseling services.
In addition, although an estimated 22.7 million persons ages 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem, only 2.5 million persons received treatment at a specialty facility.
Clarendon Behavioral Health Services has made significant accomplishments, having transformed the lives of untold numbers of Clarendon County residents. We applaud the gains made by those in recovery in Clarendon County who have reclaimed their lives and who are living a happy and healthy life in long-term recovery.
These successes often go unnoticed by the broader population; therefore, Recovery Month provides a vehicle to celebrate these successes.
“We are excited to celebrate on a local level the recovery of so many people in Clarendon County who are now leading productive lives and who are back together with their families as a result of their treatment,” said Clarendon Behavioral Health Services CEO Ann Kirven. “Treatment works, and Clarendon Behavioral Health Services is proud to have played a part in the recovery of so many of our local citizens.”
The benefits of treatment not only affect the individual, but his or her family, friends and workplace, along with society as a whole. Educating the public reduces the stigma associated with addiction and treatment.
Accurate knowledge of the disease helps people to understand the importance of supporting treatment programs, those who work within the treatment and prevention field and those in need of treatment.
Clarendon Behavioral Health Services is a United Way Agency. It is funded in part by the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
If you have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs and you are pregnant, you and your unborn child are our first priority.
For information about prevention and treatment services in Clarendon County, contact Clarendon Behavioral Health Services at (803) 435-2121.
- Caroline Grant
